Verbena
Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), the South American cousin of common vervain, is a tasteful addition to healthy herbal teas thanks to its pleasant aroma. Due to its enchanting scent, it is attributed with various love-enhancing properties. Native to Europe since the 18th century, lemon verbena is not only an ornamental plant.
Melissa
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a widely used and popular medicinal herb. Whether in tea, on desserts or in lemonade, it always makes a great addition. Originally from the Mediterranean region, it was planted in monastery gardens in the Middle Ages and now also grows wild in sunny but sheltered places, especially in wine-growing areas.
Fennel Seed
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an umbelliferous plant and one of the oldest medicinal herbs in the world. It is said to have been used in Mesopotamia as early as 3000 BC for its many health benefits. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese were also aware of the value of fennel.
Caraway
Caraway (Carum carvi) belongs to the Apiaceae family and originates from the Mediterranean region, the Middle East and North Africa. Wild caraway plants can also be found in Germany. The fruits of the plant in particular are used in many international cuisines. In traditional European herbalism, caraway fruits are used for tea.
Star Anise
The star anise (Illicium verum) is native to China and Vietnam.
It prefers light, sandy soils that tend to be acidic and likes partial shade or sunny locations. Star anise trees with their evergreen leaves grow up to 18 metres tall. Yellowish flowers with many petals bloom from March to May. The characteristically shaped star-shaped seeds ripen in October. In tea blends, star anise is not only a tasty flavouring agent, it can also have a positive effect on the respiratory and digestive systems.
Fenugreek
Originating from India, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) was brought to Europe by Benedictine monks and cultivated in monastery gardens. It is a papilionaceous plant and was highly valued in ancient times. It is not only found in Africa, Asia and Europe, but is also native to Australia.
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a plant genus belonging to the labiates family. Originally native to the coastal regions of the Mediterranean, lavender was cultivated by Benedictine monks north of the Alps and can now be found throughout Europe. It is reputed to possess a wide range of beneficial properties.
